(Courtesy of NJY Camps) NJY Camps, a leading organization in providing transformative summer experiences for children and teens, is proud to announce the Gottesman Gesher Campaign: Building a Bridge to the Next Century of Jewish Life. This marks a milestone contribution from Paula Gottesman, a distinguished member of the NJY Camps board, and the Paula and Jerry Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) of Greater MetroWest. This historic $2 million pledge marks a significant investment in the future of Jewish camping and Jewish continuity.
The two-million dollar donation is structured to maximize community involvement and philanthropic engagement. The Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation will provide a 1:1 match for gifts or pledges of $50,000 or more. Contributions under $50,000 will be matched 1:2, encouraging widespread participation and support from all levels of donors.
The Paula and Jerry Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation: A Legacy of Giving
The Gottesman Family Supporting Foundation, renowned for its commitment to Jewish educational and communal development, has been a pivotal force in supporting various initiatives that foster growth, learning and leadership among Jewish youth. The Foundation has been a national leader in supporting affordability and excellence at Jewish day schools and Jewish camps, with a vision for nurturing strong, vibrant Jewish communities. The Gottesman Foundation is housed at the JCF, the planned giving and endowment arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
Paula Gottesman shared: “We in the Gottesman Family Foundation look forward to having others join us to support and enable our children to attend thriving NJY Camps. The campers will not only experience all the usual camp activities but they will also be secure and proud of their Judaism, their people, Israel and what they stand for. We are happy to invest in this program and believe that those who join us will find dividends beyond their expectations.”
NJY Camps’ board president, Stacie Friedman, remarked: “Our tradition teaches us that all of us are responsible for one another. Paula embodies this value and her gift is just another example of that. This is the largest gift in our 104 year agency history, given by someone who is not an alum but rather a thoughtful philanthropist who recognizes the critical role that Jewish camp plays in building strong Jewish identity. On behalf of the NJY board of directors, we extend our deepest appreciation to Paula and the entire Gottesman family.”
NJY Camps’ CEO Michael Schlank added: “This is an historic investment by Paula in NJY Camps and is the single largest gift in our agency’s more than 100 year history. Paula’s pledge is a vote of confidence in both the volunteer and professional leadership of NJY Camps and continues a long legacy of her family’s support for NJY. Most importantly, this is an investment in Jewish continuity and the work we do in our unwavering support of the people and the state of Eretz Yisrael. The tens of thousands of families that make up NJY Camps’ kehillah are eternally grateful for Paula’s vision, generosity and leadership.”
